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<center>![20211009_132816_2.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/galenkp/Ep9zBL3TkbqWZ5XJ1uXrFN9wzYfRgSAGcmzi6bCuKFKjWj1Y9diKg3pWo7ExvdkZc2T.jpg)</center>

<center>*The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.*</center>

<center>**Aristotle**</center>
***

The spring grasses swayed around me, the movement creating a sound one can only find in natural places like this, one that reached inside and rested there bringing comfort and solace and I felt soothed in that moment; at peace emotionally and physically.

I gazed at the clouds drifting slowly across my vision and the sunlight warm on my face, welcome on this crisp day. I found things in the clouds, turned that random collection of moisture droplets so far above me into animals, mystical beings and interesting shapes. Part of me thought about the snakes moving about at this time of year of course and part of me didn't care - I was content and in a perfectly *nice* state of mind for contemplation.

Since resigning from my job I've done little else but furnish my life with that which I felt I needed: Relaxation, rejuvenation and a great deal of reflection as well. A valued break.

Initially I had no plans to go back to work any time soon however, possibly foolishly, a few weeks ago I sent off an application for a role I thought might suit me. I don't want to work in my previous industry any longer, *property*, and figured I'd see if I can demonstrate to a company that my skills are transferable. I didn't get a chance at that job but the recruiter-chap contacted me directly based on my curriculum vitae and we chatted. 

Since then he's sent me four legitimate roles, all of which look quite interesting, have solid remuneration some 35-40% above my previous and are all in completely different industries. I hadn't expected that. 

Last week I interviewed for two of them with the others upcoming this week. One of those interviews went for just over two and a half hours! Yeah, that's a long interview.

I'm not sure what will come of them although that very long one is with a company I feel comfortable with, is in an industry that is not going to disappear anytime soon and offers plenty of scope for me to add value through my expertise. It's something I think I could do well and considering I feel reasonably good about where things stand right now, and that I've been told to expect a reasonably fast response, I felt it would be a good time to consider my options and needs going forward.

That's why I was laying out in a field in the middle of nowhere gazing up at the sky today...To find a moment quiet enough where I could delve inside and sort through thoughts and options, needs and desires; a place where I could do some quiet contemplation based on this new potential reality.

I'll be honest and say I was looking forward to some time away, an extended camping trip with no fixed return-date however sometimes life plays cards we don't expect. I see a great opportunity in this particular role and a company in which I'd expect to feel comfortable within. Is that enough to cause me to forego my wilderness camping expedition? Should I prioritise myself and base needs? *I just don't know.* 

I'm not one to let people wait meaning I'll make a decision reasonably quickly should an offer come through in the next few days. I don't like to play games. Sure, I may negotiate the package or terms somewhat but my decision will come quite quickly. 

I think I've come close to my decision, today's trip out into the wilderness helped me find clarity to contemplate the matter from multiple angles and to project it forward. If an offer comes through I'll go through another quick process of contemplation and consideration and then I'll respond one way or the other.

Making decisions that affect one's future are sometimes not easily reached. All we can do is make the best decisions we can based on the information we have at hand and work with the implications and ramifications of it hoping regret doesn't pay a visit later on. I hope to come to a suitable decision when the time comes and a little contemplation now will mitigate the risk of regret later.
***

And how about you? Have you ever needed to make a decision that could fundamentally change your immediate or long term future? How did you go about reaching your decision, what factors came into play and how did it work out for you moving forward? 


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Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - *Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind*

<sub>Discord: galenkp#9209</sub>

<sub>The image is mine</sub>